TRADE ORDER IS NON-NEGOTIBALE

By Josepha Jabo Last week on Friday, on the floor of Parliament, Minister of State for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, David Bahati, caused a stir when he announced that the implementation of trade order had been suspended in Uganda, causing anxiety and threatening the gains achieved in the past two months. Consequently, on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magezi, the Minister of State for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Kabbyanga, and the Minister for Kampala and Metropolitan Affairs, Minsa Kabanda, addressed the media during a joint press conference at Uganda Media Centre to clarify that trade order has not been suspended! “Cabinet pronounced that trade order is non-negotiable,” Kabanda began. “Cabinet agreed that Kampala is the capital city of Uganda and the face of our nation. The standards we set here must reflect order, discipline and structured economic activity. The progress made so far, must not be reversed. Enforcement of trade order, in Kampala, shall continue without interruption. Enforcement teams must remain firm, consistent and professional; ensuring that operations are conducted within the law and with respect for human dignity. Any attempt to return to illegal street vending, encroachment or disorderly trade practises will be dealt with decisively,” she warned. In her statement, Kabanda described trade order as an ‘ongoing enforcement’ in Kampala to decongest the Central Business District (CBD). “The intervention has already yielded visible and measurable gains, like improved sanitation, enhanced public safety, increased accessibility of roads and walkways and a more orderly business environment. I’m aware that the Ministry of Local Government adopted similar measures, across the country,” she said. Hon. Magezi echoed her sentiments. “I’m here to inform you that Cabinet, at it’s sitting yesterday on Monday, April 27, 2026, agreed that the implementation of trade order should continue as earlier planned. Previously, in Parliament, we informed the House that we had suspended trade order, because we had had a meeting with some petitioners, that is the leadership of Born-again Pentecostal churches in Uganda, as well as the Federation of Uganda Traders Association, had come to us with a number of concerns. We listened to them. They asked for a little more time. We agreed that demolition of churches be suspended, to allow the churches time to improve their structures and to get their building plans approved. We, as Ministry of Local Government, are going to strengthen the implementation of this policy by stepping up community sensitization and setting up a task force.” Magezi said that if anyone wants to give feedback, on trade order, they can call the hotline 0414258100. “On 10th March, 2026, the Ministry of Local Government, through our Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, issued a circular to all chief administrative officers and town clerks in cities and municipalities, to implement the restoration of trade order in our local governments; to restore orderly business environment, by relocating traders to formal and designated trading spaces, especially traders who were operating on the streets, walkways, pavements, verandahs, back streets and corridors; to remove all campaign posters displayed in their localities, because the elections have ended; to stop cooking and selling food, including fruits, vegetables on top of sewer lines, drainages and other unhygienic places; to clean marketplaces after every market day and every evening for daily markets; ensure proper waste management, lighting of streets and streamline public transport operations, especially in urban areas.” Daniel Muhumuza Nuweabine, the Head of Public and Corporate Affairs, Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), gave updates on the progress KCCA has made with trade order enforcement which commenced on February 19, 2026. This includes reduced obstruction of traffic, within the capital city, on walkways and driveways; beautification of non-motorised walkways and increased uptake in the markets since the majority of the street vendors were evicted. The next topic Nuweabine tackled was business formalisation in Kampala. “In November we announced 2,520 spaces in our markets. As we speak 1,663 spaces have been taken up. In the markets of Kampala now, we have a balance of 857 spaces. From December 2025 to February 19, 2026 when we started trade order in Kampala, we had registered 15,628 trade licenses, those were new licenses that we had registered, but after the enforcement of trade order from February 19, 2026 we have registered 22,909 new businesses,” he said. Nuweabine added that flooding has reduced in Kampala. “Because of trade order, especially in the CBD, despite the heavy downpour of an average of 30 millimetres of rain per downpour, which is really heavy rainfall, we have not had any major flooding along Nakivubo and Allen Roads. the retention of water in the CBD now stands at 7 minutes after a heavy downpour. KCCA shall, in due course, implement order in the transport sector that is bodabodas, taxis and how buses will operate in the city,” he concluded. During the Q & A session, Andrew Irumba, from The Spy Uganda, wanted to know what government was going to do about the bodaboda industry. “In Kampala you have told us about trade order, but the bodaboda industry in Kampala have knocked everybody. I was in Mulago Hospital last week. The biggest number of causalities in Mulago are caused by bodaboda,” he said. Veteran photojournalist, Natty Dread asked, “Why are bodabodas untouchable? When they knock you, they become violent!” “As KCCA, we have a plan for bodabodas. We have already gazetted stages for them. They are not above the law. We are going to work on them,” Kabanda responded, although she admitted that there had been political interference in the past. The Writer works for Uganda Media Centre

2026-04-29

UHRC ANNOUNCES NATIONAL COMMEMORATION OF WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY 2026

By Prince Obed The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) announced plans to commemorate World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2026, during a press briefing held today at the Uganda Media Centre. The national celebrations will take place on Sunday, 3rd May, 2026 at the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) Grounds and will feature a national commemorative walk, speeches and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding achievements in the media industry. The event will be officiated by the Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Chris Baryomunsi, alongside the Chairperson of UHRC Mariam Wangadya, the Media Council of Uganda leadership, heads of media houses and professional associations. The day will begin with a national commemorative walk starting at 7am, moving from UBC through the streets of Kampala, before returning for the official ceremony and awards. Speaking on behalf of the UHRC Chairperson, Commissioner Hon. Lame Omara Apitta welcomed this year’s national theme, ‘Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Development and Security in Uganda.’ He emphasized that enabling journalists and the media to tell stories that promote peacebuilding, national unity and development is essential for safeguarding human dignity and coexistence. “Uganda has made progress in promoting media freedoms, through legislation and growing tolerance of criticism. However, challenges persist on both sides, there have been instances where individuals in law enforcement and politics have overstepped legal limits in restricting media freedoms,” Commissioner Omara said. Despite these challenges, he reassured the public that Uganda has conflict resolution mechanisms and reporting channels to ensure grievances are addressed. “UHRC is working together with actors, under the Uganda Media Sector Working Group (UMSWG), as part of our cardinal role to enhance public awareness about press freedom and to re-affirm this freedom, as an essential foundation for peace, development and security. This unity is part of our various mechanisms, through which we monitor government compliance with its international and regional treaty obligation. Through alliances like these, we lay strategies for strengthening journalists’ safety, while addressing impunity from all corners, including digital spaces with specific attention to gender-based threats,” Commissioner Omara added. Through these collaborations, the Commission aims to enhance journalists’ safety, tackle impunity and address digital threats, including gender-based harassment. “Let us continue calling upon each other, whenever there is just cause, because the protection and promotion of human rights cannot be achieved by lone-runners, but with concerted effort of each and everyone concerned pulling in the same direction. Let us give wise counsel to one another and critique but not criticize,” Commissioner Omara advised. The Commissioner also highlighted the growing challenge of misinformation and deep fakes in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). “We know the various challenges that the media face, including the rapid advancement of technology in news production and dissemination. In this era of Artificial Intelligence, where deep fakes can be difficult to distinguish from facts or realities on the ground, the media industry has an even greater responsibility to rebuild trust, credibility and accountability through fact-checking, in order to avoid bias and misinformation that could lead to unnecessary conflict in society.” Media professionals were urged to strengthen fact-checking, credibility and accountability to rebuild public trust and prevent conflict fueled by misinformation. Commissioner Omara noted that the commemoration will serve as a platform to reflect and dialogue on press freedom, promote journalists’ safety, welfare and address physical and digital threats facing media professionals. UHRC called on all stakeholders to work together in protecting human rights and media freedom, by encouraging unity and collaboration, noting that protecting human rights requires collective effort from all stakeholders. The Writer works with Uganda Media Centre

2026-04-28

UGANDA TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR DAY ON 1ST MAY 2026

By Kevin Seguya International Labour Day is intended to recognize and appreciate workers’ contribution to the national development and to raise awareness about the workers’ rights and responsibilities. The International Labour Day celebrations will be held at Nkoyoyo Boarding Primary School Grounds in Matale, Buikwe district, and will be presided over by H.E the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The celebrations will be held under the theme, ‘Safeguarding Uganda’s progress, empowering the workforce and promoting decent work for competitive enterprises.’ The Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Industrial Relations, Hon. Esther Davinia Anyakun, speaking during a press conference at Uganda Media Centre on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 said as the country commemorates this day, it will be used to reflect on the opportunities and challenges in Uganda’s labour market. Anyakun said that according to the 2025 Market Survey Report, this day finds Uganda at 58.1% which is 26.4 million, which is the working age population and unemployment stands at 12%. The minister said labour force participation remains relatively low at 43.2%, reflecting the structural constraints in labour market absorption. Youth exclusion is particularly pronounced, with around 42.6% of those aged 15-24 years not in employment, education, training and also that unemployment is higher among females compared to males. Anyakun said Uganda’s labour market is largely informal, the sector contributes about 54.5% of the GDP and employs nearly 88% of the workforce. As a result, the majority of workers remain vulnerable, with limited access to labour protection, which is compounded by gaps in awareness and enforcement of labour rights, as a significant proportion of workers continue to face hazardous conditions and working abuses. Social protection coverage remains limited, although 3.2 million workers are registered under the Retirement Benefits Scheme, with most under the National Social Security Fund (NSSF). Only a fraction are actively contributing, leaving many workers exposed to income insecurity at old age. On productivity, overall labour productivity in Uganda remains below both regional and global average. This underscores the need to sustain efforts, to enhance productivity across all sectors, in line with the ambitions of the Fourth National Development Plan (NDPIV). Meanwhile, Anyakun said Uganda has made steady progress towards the attainment of middle-income status, by expanding monetization of the economy, by reducing poverty levels and establishing a robust legal policy framework, to guide national development. Anyakun added that these achievements have laid a firm foundation, to sustain economic transformation, strengthen enterprise competitiveness and enhance productivity, while advancing the principle of decent work for all Ugandans. Anyakun said, as the ministry, various conferences are ongoing and visits are being undertaken to various factories to see how workers’ conditions may improve. As this day is commemorated, it is important to reflect upon the latest national data, to appreciate the opportunities and challenges within the labour market. According to the National Population and Housing Census 2024, Uganda’s population stood at 45.9 million and over 73% of the population is below the age of 30, underscoring the country's predominantly youthful demographic structure. This demographic structure presents an opportunity and a challenge, as the country generates sufficient, productive and decent jobs to absorb the rapidly growing labour force. Labor Day is also known as International Workers’ Day and May Day.  Labour Day is a public holiday, in many countries worldwide. It usually occurs around 1st May, but several countries observe it on other dates. Government, through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development continues to implement the following programs to implement decent work and enhance productivity. The implementation of the National Apprenticeship and Graduate Volunteer Programme (NAGV) aims at developing skills manpower, with practical and market relevant skills. Secondly to empower informal businesses into formal growth, and enhancing labour productivity for national competitiveness and human capital development. On this day, the ministry will carry out activities, including workplace inspections, barazas, worker conferences and tree planting initiatives. The minister urged all Ugandans to participate in the celebrations, as they recognize and honor the contribution of Ugandan workers in national development. “I urge all Ugandans to embrace the upcoming Labour Day celebrations,” she concluded. The writer works for Uganda Media Centre

2026-04-28

ALL SET FOR GENERAL MUHOOZI’S 52ND BIRTHDAY RUN IN KAMPALA

By Prince Obed Final preparations are complete for the highly anticipated 52nd Birthday Run of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds under the theme ‘Run for Charity, Run for Hope.’ The charity marathon, which celebrates his birthday, will run from 7:00am to 12:00pm and is organized in partnership with the Patriotic League of Uganda and Patriots Club Uganda. Proceeds and finances from the event’s official kits will go towards charitable causes, reinforcing the annual run’s mission of giving back to communities across the country. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba will lead thousands of participants, expected to turn up for the run, which has grown into a major annual event celebrating patriotism, unity and community service. Today at Uganda Media Centre, Bob Kakuru, the Chairman Organizing Committee, while addressing journalists said, “This birthday run reflects General Muhoozi’s continued commitment to national service, charity and promoting a healthy lifestyle.” The Uganda Police Force spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke, assured participants that comprehensive security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and safe event. “Security teams will conduct checks at entry points and participants are advised not to leave bags unattended or carry sensitive equipment,” he announced. Kituuma added that participants will arrive in different ways for the marathon; running, walking, cycling and riding motorcycles. “Runners entering with invitations will access the venue through Elgon Terrace at Kololo Independence Grounds at the Protea Gate. Other participants will enter through the Wampewo Avenue Gate. Alternative parking has been arranged at Kololo High School, Kati Kati and UMA Showgrounds,” he said. The approximately 10-kilometre route is a circuit passing through key roads in Kampala. The marathon will begin at Kololo Independence Grounds, at the Protea Gate; John Babiiha Road (aka Acacia Avenue), Upper Kololo Terrace, Lugogo Bypass, Kira Road, Mulago Roundabout, Yusuf Lule Road, John Babiiha Road (aka Acacia Avenue), Lower Kololo Terrace, Wampewo Avenue and end at Kololo Independence Grounds. Motorists have been urged to exercise caution and cooperate with runners, as roads along the route will be monitored and regulated for safety. The organizing committee has called for full cooperation from runners, motorists and bodaboda riders to ensure a safe and successful event, while encouraging Ugandans to turn up in large numbers to support the charity initiative and celebrate this milestone birthday in a spirit of unity and hope. The General MK Birthday Run continues to grow as a national event, blending fitness and patriotism, promising another vibrant and impactful edition this year.

2026-04-25

PRESIDENT MUSEVENI HAILS LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE CHURCH IN TRANSFORMING UGANDA

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has recognised the long-standing partnership between the Church and Government, especially in achieving the goal of socio-economic transformation of Uganda. “While the most obvious task of the Church is the spiritual well-being of the people; the Church has also participated in carrying out developmental projects focused at enhancing the well-being of the communities,” he said. The President made the remarks today in his speech delivered by the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Hon. Beatrice Akello Akori during the official opening and dedication of the Life Restoration Ministries sanctuary at Nansana- Bujjuko. He said while working for heaven it is imperative for religious leaders to remind believers not to neglect their earthly responsibilities. “The Bible says that:…We are a colony of heaven on earth…” (Philippians Chapter 3, Verse 20) This is an important spiritual truth that implores Christians to be concerned with the affairs of the earth, as they prepare for the heavenly kingdom,” he said. President Museveni added that it was important to emphasise to believers that in addition to seeking spiritual nourishment from the places of worship, they should also participate in income generating activities to sustain their households. “All believers should take the example of Jesus Christ, who besides teaching, praying and fasting, was also a carpenter. He earned his bread as a carpenter. Therefore, religious leaders should use their pulpits to encourage the believers to work towards poverty eradication,” he said. “I want to use this occasion to re-echo the message of wealth creation at the household level. By prioritizing expenditure on electricity, roads, schools, hospitals, peace and security, the visionary leadership of the NRM Government has established a solid foundation for Uganda’s development and socio-economic transformation.” However, according to President Museveni, development alone is not enough; though it must come first, explaining that development is a collective good for everyone; but wealth and jobs belong to individuals, families, groups or companies. “We should not have spectators in the drive towards increasing household incomes. The remaining 33% of the households, which are still engaged in subsistence farming, i.e. working only for the stomach, must be mobilised to join the money economy,” he said. “The four major sectors for creating wealth and jobs are commercial Agriculture, Industrialization, Services and ICT. I call upon political, cultural and religious leaders to mobilise the communities to be wealth creators; and to guide our people to identify productive ventures in the above sectors.” Today’s function, of the official opening and dedication of the Life Restoration Ministries sanctuary, is an important milestone towards building God's kingdom, on earth. On the other hand, President Museveni commended Pastor Kenneth Kato Mwesigwa, for spearheading the initiative to build a magnificent house for the Lord. “I would also like to thank you for inviting me to take part in today’s dedication function. I thank Pastor Robert Kayanja for his tireless efforts in spreading the gospel; and helping to foster good relations between the Pentecostal Churches and the NRM government.” President Museveni also contributed Shs30 million towards the good cause. Pastor Kayanja thanked President Museveni for the way God has used him for harmony, peace and security in Uganda. Pastor Mwesigwa expressed gratitude to the government for the support and recognition, emphasizing that the church’s mission goes beyond spiritual nourishment to include community outreach, youth empowerment, and charitable initiatives. “We are truly grateful and we would like to convey our thanks to the President for the freedom of worship,” he said. He also commended the government for always supporting the faith-based institutions. The event featured prayers, gospel music performances, and messages from various religious leaders.

2026-04-25

UGANDA MOVES TO CUT CLINKER IMPORTATION AS PRESIDENT MUSEVENI COMMISSIONS YAOBAI FACTORY

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in the company of the Former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, has today presided over the commissioning of Phase One of a 6,000-tonne cement clinker production line by Yaobai Cement. The facility is located in Nanduget , Moroto District. President Museveni commended H.E Hailemariam for his role in guiding West China Cement to invest in Uganda. He also expressed gratitude to the board Chairman of West China Cement, a conglomerate of Yaobai International holding Cement factory in Uganda, Mr. Zang Jiewen, for helping Uganda reduce its reliance on imported clinker. “I am very glad that Mr. Zang, with the guidance of Hailemariam, has saved us from importing clinker,” President Museveni said, noting that clinker constitutes about 85% of cement production and had previously been sourced from abroad. The President further thanked the Government of China for encouraging its citizens to invest in Africa, highlighting ongoing Chinese investments in sectors such as infrastructure and manufacturing. He pledged government support to ensure a favorable tax regime for the factory, emphasizing the importance of aligning with national investment policies. Reflecting on regional development, President Museveni noted that Karamoja, once among the least developed regions, is now emerging as an industrial hub due to its abundant natural resources. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, including key roads connecting Moroto, Kotido, and surrounding areas. H.E Hailemariam, who is the Africa Regional Ambassador of West China Cement, guided on the mutual benefit for China - Africa investment that he said is capable of aiding development and real economic transformation. The Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo commended the President for creating a stable and attractive investment climate that continues to draw investors into the country. Similarly, the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa applauded the transformation of Karamoja from a conflict-prone region into a center of industrial growth. She noted that with ongoing infrastructure development, Uganda is on course to achieve its economic targets. The local partner, Mr. Ambrose Byoona, revealed that the project was inspired by President Museveni’s vision to establish a clinker factory in Karamoja. The Moroto District LCV Chairman Anjello Pulkol noted that the factory has created employment opportunities and improved livelihoods in the region. He credited the President for restoring peace in Karamoja, which has made such investments possible. Chairman Zang Jiewen expressed appreciation to President Museveni, the Chinese Embassy, and all stakeholders for their support throughout the project’s construction. He emphasized that the plant represents a major milestone in strengthening Uganda’s industrial base. Mr. Zang revealed that the project, with an estimated investment of over $300 million, is expected to produce up to 2 million tonnes of clinker annually and 3 million tonnes of cement, generating approximately $300 million in annual output value and creating more than 3,500 jobs upon full operation. He added that the project will significantly reduce Uganda’s clinker import bill, saving an estimated $200 million annually in foreign exchange. Beyond Uganda, the plant is expected to serve regional markets including South Sudan, Western Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, thereby strengthening the East African supply chain and contributing to regional integration goals. On behalf of West China Cement, Mr. Zang reaffirmed the company’s commitment to high-quality investment, technological advancement, and environmentally sustainable production, with plans to establish a modern, low-emission industrial ecosystem in the region. The Chargé d’Affaires of China in Uganda, Fan Xuecheng, praised President Museveni’s leadership and commitment to strengthening Uganda–China relations, noting that such partnerships continue to yield tangible development outcomes.

2026-04-24